In communities where many families quietly struggle to meet daily needs, the Hayatt Aid Foundation (HAF) is emerging as a structured and professional force for humanitarian support, grounded in the Islamic principles of equity, compassion and service.
Based in Fajara, HAF is a non-political, non-profit organization dedicated to restoring dignity and strengthening communities across The Gambia and neighboring regions. What began as years of quiet personal charitable engagement has evolved into a formally organized Foundation committed to delivering practical, long-term support to families in need.
What began as years of quiet personal charity has evolved into an organized foundation committed to restoring dignity, strengthening communities and providing practical support to vulnerable families across the country.
Founded by respected legal practitioner Lena Hydara, whose lifelong charitable work is widely known. HAF was established to transform years of individual volunteerism into an organised, accountable humanitarian institution. She is joined by co-founder Aisha Hydara, a British-Gambian writer and experienced logistician,
HAF’s executive team includes legal practitioner and AIT Commissioner Ya Amie Touray, alongside Ya Penda Bah, Mariama Suso (Misma), Maimuna Jallow, and Maimouna Aidara. The Board of Advisors comprises respected professionals including Ms. Fatou Fatty, Alhaji Ousman Jah, Dr. Mariama Njie, Momodou Mballow, Ya Marie Jack and Ndeye Amie Jallow. Together, the leadership structure ensures accountability, transparency, and strategic oversight across all programs.
HAF’s flagship Ramadan Iftar Programme has become a defining pillar of its work. During the last Ramadan, the Foundation provided meals to more than 10,000 individuals across multiple communities. In addition, sacrificial animals were distributed during Eid ul Adha to support families who would otherwise struggle to participate in this important religious observance.
Building on this impact, HAF intends to expand its outreach this year through a permanent Iftar tent in Fajara, daily meal distribution throughout the month and weekly regional outreach efforts. The Foundation also aims to significantly increase food pack distributions (essential staples like rice, oil and sugar) and Qurbani support to ensure more families celebrate with dignity.
Beyond seasonal relief, HAF operates through five integrated pillars:
Food Security & Seasonal Relief
Mosque Rehabilitation & Prayer Space Improvement
Establishment of Community Mortuary Facilities
Education & School Support Programmes
Healthcare & Sanitation Access
Through these pillars, HAF addresses both immediate humanitarian needs and long-term community resilience. From repainting and electrifying mosques to distributing school uniforms and hygiene kits, from installing mortuary refrigeration facilities in underserved areas to providing maternal health support, the Foundation works to strengthen the social fabric of communities.
Transparency is central to HAF’s operations, ensuring that every Dalasi reaches those in need. Beneficiaries are selected using a structured need-based scoring system prioritizing low-income households, single parents, the elderly, persons with disabilities and families with limited food access. Projects are approved by the Board of Advisors, implemented by trained volunteers and documented for donor accountability.
As HAF scales its work, it invites development partners, corporate institutions, philanthropists, diaspora communities and government stakeholders to join in bringing these life-changing programs to fruition. “By investing in this model, donors contribute not only to immediate relief but also to the long-term resilience of our communities,” says the Founder.
The Foundation’s mission is simple yet powerful i.e., to strengthen dignity, faith and resilience across communities.
With structured partnership and expanded support, Hayatt Aid Foundation aims not only to feed thousands during Ramadan, but to build systems that sustain families throughout the year.
For partnership enquiries or to support ongoing initiatives, interested donors may contact:
Hayatt Aid Foundation
Off Atlantic Road, Fajara, KMC, The Gambia
Email: hayattaidfoundation@gmail.com
Tel: +220 3634434 | +220 7554414 | +220 9900479
